I recently came across the incredibly beautiful and modern photographs of German photographer, Herbert List. Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1903, this incredibly prolific and, at the time, avant garde photographer ushered in much of the modern black and white photography we know today. His influence can be seen through the work of such artists as Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber and countless others. His love of the male figure is evident in his homoerotic photographs which capture both the romanticism and the innocence of youth. List was also fascinated with quasi-surrealism which can be seen in his experimental use of double exposure and surrealist imagery. Having traveled extensively throughout Italy and France shooting for such notable publications as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Life List finally settled in Greece at the outbreak of WWII, which is where he shot some of his most beautiful work. There is a curious innocence to his photos that draws the viewer, or at least this viewer, in to his world, into the world of his subjects and in turn into the world of our own desires, dreams, fears and sexuality.
In the Morning - Athens - 1936
Playing in the Ammersee - Ammersee - 1950
Ritti with Fishing Rod - Vietznau, Vierwaldstaett - 1937
Young Men on Naxos - Naxos - 1937
Sheppard in front of Orco.Mostro in Park Palazzo Orsini - Bormazo, near Viterbo - 1952
Statue von Antikythera - Athen, National Museum - 1937
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